Councillor Support & Liaison Officer

Do you enjoy working as part of a busy team and meeting people from different organisations and backgrounds? Are you aware of the important role the Mayor of Kirklees plays in the Borough? Then this could be the perfect role for you.

The Team

The Governance Service is looking for a Councillor Support and Liaison Officer to join the Civic Team located at Huddersfield Town Hall.

This is a very busy team which directly supports the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kirklees to carry out their Civic role.

The team is essential in co-ordinating the Mayor’s activities and liaising with them on a daily basis to offer advice relating to attendance at events.

We are looking for someone who has a strong customer focus and who will be able to build relationships based on mutual respect and trust. The ability to offer clear, honest and unbiased professional advice with tact and diplomacy is also a must.

The Role

For this role you will have great communication skills and the flexibility to switch between tasks with ease and react to changing priorities. You will engage with people at all levels both within and outside the organisation and form a network of local and regional contacts. It is also vital you have an awareness of the sensitivities of working in a political environment.

As part of this role you will:

• Manage the Civic diary of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
• Assist in the organisation and delivery of Civic events
• Liaise with Civic Attendants and with individuals who invite the Mayor to their events, ensuring all arrangements are in place and everyone knows what to expect.

You will also play a role in the delivery of school visits to Town Halls, linking in with schools to make the necessary arrangements, but also being there on the day to engage with school parties and take part in presentations.

What the team say about the role

If variety is what you are looking for, then look no further. Every day is different, full, challenging – and rewarding. The work of the Mayor can be truly effective in the communities we serve, and it’s humbling to see some of the amazing work which local organisations, businesses, schools and charities do to enhance the lives of local residents.

This role is an essential part of the mechanics of the Civic Office – it knits together all the moving parts so that everything works. It’s great to see the huge positivity a Mayoral visit can create and it’s a privilege to be part of it.

For a full list of the role requirements please see the attached Job Profile.

What’s the working pattern?

The working pattern for the job is 37 hours across 5 days a week. However, you will be required to work some evenings and weekends as and when required to assist with the delivery of Civic events.

What can we offer?

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Ongoing training and career development
• Excellent pension scheme
• A range of family friendly policies, including flexible working and working from home
• Discounts with local and national retailers
• We offer a wide range of well-being initiatives including a cycle to work scheme and discounted KAL membership

The following questions will be used to shortlist candidates, so please consider them carefully:

• What can you tell us about the role of the Mayor?
• You will be managing a very busy diary – please tell us about your previous experience of diary management?
• There will be times when you will have to work independently and use your own initiative. Can you tell us how you have done this previously?
• Based on everything you have read about this position, what makes you the perfect candidate?

If you have any questions about the role please contact Sally Greenwood (Mayoral Office Manager) on 01484 221905.

Closing date: Sunday 6th November 2022

Interview date(s): 16th & 17th November 2022